6 Ways to Stay Safe in Slippery Conditions

Did you know that one in four older adults fall each year, and statistics show that 37% of individuals who fall seek medical treatment? It is important to consider fall prevention for your safety as the winter continues in Michigan.

Some ways to avoid loss of balance and prevent falls in slippery conditions include:

1. Light up your living space! Avoid areas that do not provide adequate lighting. Your visual system assists with maintaining balance and when impaired it can lead to falls.
2. Use assistive devices. Add handrails and grab bars around your household and use assistive equipment in common walkways and stairs.
3. Remove home hazards. Good housekeeping inside and outside of the house can prevent tripping. Take a look around your home and try to remove any potential fall hazards.
4. Wear sensible shoes. Consider proper footwear that has adequate traction for slippery environments. Try closed-toe winter shoes, grippers or spikes on the bottom of your shoes to provide traction and adding nonstick surfaces to stairs.
5. Waddle like a penguin. Increase your base of support by bringing your feet slightly more apart with toes outward, also known as the penguin walk.
6. Stay moving. Physical activity can go a long way toward fall prevention. With your provider’s OK, consider activities such as walking, water workouts and other gentle exercises to improve strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.

Can Physical Therapy Prevent You from Falling?

Yes! Physical therapy plays a huge role in assessing and improving balance to prevent falls in your home and within the community. Improving balance involves training three systems: vestibular, somatosensory and vision. Training these systems will increase your stability in all environments and ultimately decrease your risk of falling.

Depending on your concerns and interests, a physical therapist can:

• Assess your balance, strength, and walking abilities.
• Assess risk factors and help you prevent future falls.
• Help you improve your abilities in doing activities you enjoy.
• Teach you safe ways to get on and off the floor if you should experience a fall.
• Help you find a community exercise program that is right for you.
• Work with other health care providers to help address reasons why you may be at risk for falling.

Jaclyn Cook, D.P.T., is a physical therapist at Campus Ridge Building in Midland. She specializes in orthopedics, neuro rehabilitation and Parkinson’s wellness recovery.